Isaac Hayes: 1942-2008

Soul legend Isaac Hayes died yesterday at the age of 65. He was found unconscious in his Memphis, Tenn. home before being taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death is yet to be determined.

Although Hayes had been writing and performing for years, the Billboard-topping and Academy Award-winning theme he penned for 1971's Shaft catapulted him into the pop-cultural radar. Along the way, he managed to pick up multiple Grammys, an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a starring role as Chef on South Park. Hayes later left after a widely-publicized incident where the show poked fun at the Church of Scientology, of which Hayes was a member.

Collin Stanback, a representative from Stax Records, Hayes's label, said this on Sunday: "When you think of soul music you think of Isaac Hayes—the expression ... the sound and the creativity that goes along with it ... Isaac Hayes was a wonderful human being and his spirit will live long in the form of his music."

Related links:
News: Legendary soul label celebrates 50th anniversary
IsaacHayes.com
YouTube: Isaac Hayes - "Shaft"

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